Ciryl Gane

Ciryl Gane 'Bon Gamin' is a former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion known for exceptional footwork and technical striking.

Ciryl Gane won the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2021 by defeating Derrick Lewis with a display of footwork and striking precision so unusual for the division that it prompted widespread reassessment of what the heavyweight ceiling could look like for technically trained big men. Gane, nicknamed "Bon Gamin" (Good Kid), competed as a professional Muay Thai fighter before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2018, training out of Paris's MMA Factory under Fernand Lopez and developing into one of the most technically fluid heavyweights the sport has produced, renowned for footwork and striking precision unusual for the division. Gane won the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2021, defeating Derrick Lewis, before challenging Francis Ngannou for undisputed gold in early 2022, suffering the first professional loss of his career by unanimous decision. Gane has continued to compete at the top of the UFC heavyweight rankings, remaining France's most successful heavyweight export and one of the most stylistically distinctive big men in the sport's history, also pursuing acting roles alongside his fighting career.

Gane employs a highly technical striking style that emphasizes movement, timing, and precision over raw power. His background in Muay Thai is evident in his clean technique, excellent footwork, and ability to maintain distance while picking apart opponents with kicks and punches. He possesses exceptional athleticism for a heavyweight, allowing him to move fluidly around the octagon and avoid damage while landing accurate strikes.

Gane has helped elevate the technical standards of heavyweight MMA, demonstrating that skill and athleticism can be just as effective as traditional heavyweight power and wrestling.

• Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion 2021